Nominations are now being accepted for the 26th annual Spirit of Portland awards. If you know of an individual or group who has helped make Portland a better place to live, work, study, pray or play, please nominate them for one of the 2011 awards.

Celebrated since 1985, the Spirit of Portland award ceremony is an important way for the City to recognize and celebrate those who make a positive difference in our community. Each year, there are 20 to 30 winners in various categories. The exact date, time and location for 2011 Awards ceremony is not set, but the event will be held early in November during the evening and at a venue in the community so more people can attend.

Nominations are due in the Office of Neighborhood Involvement by 4 p.m. Friday, August 5. Nomination forms are available at the Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI), 1221 SW Fourth Ave, Room 110, Portland OR 97204, or at the seven neighborhood district offices. They can also be downloaded from the web at Spirit of Portland 2011 here.

Nominations may be made in the following categories:

Business Association

Community Harmony

Community Policing/Public Safety Emergency Preparedness

Emerging Community Leader

City Employee of the Year

Humanitarian

Independent Spirit

Large Business

Neighborhood Association

Non-Profit Organization

Outstanding Partnership

Public Involvement

Sandy Diedrich Environmental Stewardship

Small Business

Youth Volunteer

The award recipients are chosen by a selection committee composed of representatives from the Mayor’s and City Commissioner’s offices, the Office of Neighborhood Involvement, the Neighborhood District Coalition offices, Diversity and Civic Leadership Program partners, Business Associations, non-profit community organizations and past award winners.

Nominees will be evaluated in each of the following areas:

* Participation in outstanding projects

* Enrichment of our community and neighborhoods

* Providing a special service to the community

* Demonstration of responsiveness, creativity and civic values

* Raising cross-cultural awareness

More information about criteria and eligibility for each award can be found on the

nominating forms. Please submit your nominations soon and share this information with others who may be interested in nominating someone for a Spirit of Portland award

To help ensure equal access to City programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call 503-823-4000, or the City's TTY at 503-823-6868, or the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900 no less than five (5) business days prior to the event.